This is what kills your team weekly; that top-ranked consensus player that just has a fantasy faceplant. A fantasy faceplant is a player finishes at least 15 spots lower than expected on a given week. Everyone knows in Fantasy Football there is so much variance week-to-week, so the faceplants might be just a blip. But as we go through the season we can see if the players show a trend. I will use FantasyPros each week to get the initial rankings. The players highlighted are from the TNF game, and the Sunday day games. These do not include the SNF or MNF games.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Started – QB6
Sunday Finish – QB29
The Packers looked off against the Saints and that included Aaron Rodgers. He is sitting at QB29 with 28 teams playing before Sunday Night. Rodgers seemed rusty and didn’t play well, throwing multiple interceptions. The offensive line did not protect Rodgers, and that cause a lack of timing and offensive production also.
Moving Forward: I think this is a blip on the radar for Rodgers, but it will be interesting if he struggles again next week. Even with this poor outing you most likely cannot afford to not start Rodgers in your lineup.
James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars
Started – RB10
Sunday Finish – RB34
In Urban Meyer’s debut, the whole team struggled and found themselves down early against the Houston Texans. The Jaguars were down as many as 27 points in this game and that kept James Robinson to only five carries. Five carries is understandable considering the deficit, but the worry is Carlos Hyde getting carries so early in the game. Robinson’s receiving work is the main reason he still finished as high as he did (as the #34 RB at that time).
Moving Forward: This is arguably the worst team the Jaguars will play this season. Maybe this was just 1st game problems. But the lack of carries is concerning, and Carlos Hyde’s usage. I think Robinson is still a must-start, but if he has a huge game you may want to try to trade him.
Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
Started – WR1
Sunday Finish – WR45
As mentioned earlier, the whole Packers team struggled against the Saints. That included Davante Adams. He was ranked as the WR1 but finished with just five receptions for 56 yards, making him the WR45. He did have seven targets so that is a plus, but if you have Adams you are expecting much greater production for your fantasy football lineup.
Moving Forward: Like Rodgers, I think this is just a bad game; and Adams still had over 20% target share. If the offense continues to struggle then you may have more of a decision later in the year, but do not panic.
Kyle Pitts, Arizona Cardinals
Started – TE5
Sunday Finish – TE20
Not much worked for the Falcons in Week 1 as they were manhandled 33-6 by the Eagles. Kyle Pitts did not have the impactful debut that many people thought (myself included). He was ranked as the TE5 going into Sunday, but finished at TE20.
Moving Forward: Pitts looked great in college, but his a quiet debut should be understood. Matt Ryan struggled and limited the success of the offense. The bright spot is Pitts tied Calvin Ridley for target lead at eight. Obviously not worried about Pitts, and I would not worry about continuing to start him in any fantasy football leagues I have him.
Julio Jones, Tennessee Titans
Start – WR12
Sunday Finish – WR66
The Titans as a team faceplanted against the Arizona Cardinals, losing 38 to 13, and the game was never really close. Being in catch-up mode all game, you would imagine better outings for the Titans pass-catchers. The highest finish was AJ Brown, as the fantasy football WR31. Julio Jones finished as WR66, but tied 2nd for targets. It is a little concerning that Chester Rogers had a more productive game.
Moving Forward: I was interested in how they would use Jones with AJ Brown, but this is not what we wanted to see. This is a game that I don’t see happing a lot for Tennessee, where they are behind quickly and move from their game plan. Maybe Ryan Tannehill still needs time to get in sync with Jones, but if this continues try to sell to a manager that still believes he is too talented to not produce.
Make sure to check in on the Fantasy Faceplant each week on Monday. You can find me on Twitter @hayeb3 and all my work done on TheLeagueWinners here.
Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.